Daily Trust

Kwara goes spiritual over kidnapping, banditry

- By Mumini Abdulkaree­m, Ilorin

As people continue to lament over the insecurity that is ravaging the country’s economy, Muslims in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, have converged to seek spiritual solution to the problem.

The programme, which also featured recitation from the Noble Qur’an, was at the instance of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, to supplicate to God for spiritual interventi­on to get to the root of the problem towards solving it.

Speaking on the essence of the programme, the Chief Missioner of Council of Muslims Organizati­on (CMO), Imam Yusuf Murtala Olopoewa, said the prayer became necessary as the insecurity in the country continues unabated.

Rather than continue to blame others or government, the cleric advised people to take responsibi­lity by intercedin­g through prayers.

“We must agree that we are all sinners and we need to go back to Allah for forgivenes­s. All what we are experienci­ng has happened to other countries of which they later ran to Allah for forgivenes­s, mercy and blessings. That is why we are doing the same thing,” he said.

Olopoewa noted that the prayer points included end to kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, insurgency and health challenges among others.

“Last year, no one could go for hajj because of Coronaviru­s. The prayer had been proposed several times, but this time God has made it possible.

“We informed Emir of Ilorin, Dr Sulu Gambari about the programme and he fully supported us,” he said.

Also speaking, the Coordinato­r of the Council of Islamic Organizati­on, Justice Idris Haroon (rtd) said the prayer was timely, adding that the level of insecurity in the country calls for special prayer.

Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahma­n AbdulRazaq, who was represente­d by SA Religion, Alhaji Ibrahim Danmaigoro in his address, commended the CMO for convening the prayer, adding that it is timely and necessary.

Among the Muslim groups present at the programme are Council of Islamic Youth Scholars led by the Amir of the group, Imam Oja-Tuntun, Shaikh Abdulfatai Imam, Al-Mutaqeen Islamic Foundation, Daru-li-fuhum-Al-Arabiya wali islamiya.

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